Virginia SB 487 (Use of Artificial Intelligence by Public Bodies)

Summary

Mandates the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) to conduct an analysis of artificial intelligence use by public bodies in Virginia.

Requires JCOTS analysis to include examination public bodies' policies & procedures on AI procurement, implementation, and assessment of AI systems.

Requires JCOTS analysis to also ensure public bodies continually review the impact of AI systems to avoid discrimination and unlawful outcomes against an individual or a group.

Mandates consideration of establishing a Commission on Artificial Intelligence to advise the General Assembly on AI-related issues.

Requires JCOTS to evaluate the composition and duties of this commission based on specified criteria.

Obligates JCOTS to report findings and recommendations to relevant House and Senate committees by December 1, 2024.

Directs JCOTS to analyze governance policies for public-sector AI use including procurement, impact and ongoing discrimination assessments, and to evaluate the creation, composition, and duties of a new Commission on Artificial Intelligence before reporting these findings, and recommendations to the legislature.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) shall, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, conduct an analysis of the use of artificial intelligence by public bodies in the Commonwealth and the creation of a Commission on Artificial Intelligence. The analysis shall include an examination of proper policies and procedures regarding artificial intelligence systems to (i) govern the procurement, implementation, and ongoing assessment of any such system by a public body; (ii) ensure that no such system results in any unlawful discrimination or unlawful disparate impact against any individual or group of individuals; and (iii) require a public body to assess the likely impact of using any such system and perform ongoing assessments to ensure that the use of any such system does not result in any such unlawful discrimination or disparate impact. The analysis shall also include an assessment of creating a Commission on Artificial Intelligence to advise the General Assembly on issues related to artificial intelligence, the proper composition of such a commission, and the proper duties of the commission in accordance with the provisions of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii). JCOTS shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and Communications, Technology and Innovation and the Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations and General Laws and Technology no later than December 1, 2024